Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2019
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For the latest news and updates
Check out the Military Family Services (Europe)
Facebook
page or view one of our many information briefs on
YouTube
.
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Important Tax Information
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It’s Almost Tax Time!
Tax time is hardly anyone’s favourite time of the year and filing from OUTCAN comes with additional considerations, specifically around your residency status. Regardless of whether you file yourself, use an accountant or tax software, it is very important that you file with the correct residency status as it can impact your entitlement to government benefits as well as your ability to contribute to a TFSA. Fortunately the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has an official information sheet on this subject. It can be found on the
MFS(E) website
. It is also on the flash drive that you received in your MFS(E) welcome bag.
However, every year, we see spouses who file correctly but have their status changed by the CRA agent reviewing their return. The reality is that the group of CAF spouses filing from OUTCAN is relatively small and many CRA agents are just not familiar with the regulations regarding them, having maybe never ever dealt with one of those returns. If you call CRA, you will often get incorrect information. Getting an incorrect status corrected can take a lot of effort and time. Therefore, we highly recommend that you print out the CRA information sheet and attach to your return. If you are using an accountant, you should provide him or her with this information sheet along with your other tax documents. It may save you a lot of effort down the road.
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Your Military Family Services Team
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By Angie Thibodeau, Manager MFS(E)
Thriving
adjective;
Improving, growing, or succeeding steadily
For most of our CAF families in Europe,
Thriving
, is one adjective that we would ultimately aspire to have define our experience in OUTCAN. As military families who have had ivy league training in resilience, we typically aim to ensure that we set ourselves up to reach the “thrive” goal as quickly as possible so that our kids, our partners, our work and our personal life are not affected by such immense change.
Reality is, thriving in a new location, especially Europe, is much like a working document. It can have various stages of progression and it requires the issuer to make a commitment to do further intentional work in those targeted areas, an ongoing “health check” per se, in order to ensure they are prepared for the unknown realities of a move across the ocean and the probable hiccups along the way.
MFS(E) aims to provide families with the “health check’’ tools they require to assist in navigating through the stages we refer to as, the
posting cycle
. We break the cycle down into these 6 stages; Prepare, Move, Arrive, Connect, Settle…THRIVE.
Our hope is that after 6-12 months our families feel confident in the
Thrive
part of the cycle. Is this always the case? Of course not! Families most certainly have, and perhaps are still, navigating through some rough terrain and may still have trepidations about the foreign soil they now call home. Inspite of this, there is a great truth in the old adage, “
you are never given more than you can handle”
, and if you are, we are here to help.
Please remember that regardless of what part of the posting cycle you or your family are in, we are always here to help you reach the finish line, to help you and your family not only THRIVE, but enjoy a happy, healthy OUTCAN experience.
As you may have already figured out, this is a unique posting, one that can have unforeseeable challenges, however with that also comes tremendous opportunity. We are all in control of our own perspectives and choosing to find joy in the chaos of our experience will ultimately bring us one step closer to thriving in Europe!
We would love to hear your #ProudMoment stories about the intentional actions you or your family took to ensure they were thriving in Europe. Sharing these stories may help inspire others through their current journey through the posting cycle?
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We have updated our document about our programs and services to reflect the work done by our Social Worker.
Click on the image to access the full PDF version
.
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Military Family Services (Europe) Advisory Committee, December 2018 (Geilenkirchen, Germany)
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We are your voice to the MFS(E)
By Monique Partello, U.K. AC representative and Bill Robinson Niederheid AC representative
The MFS(E) Advisory Committee is a group of volunteers with representation from each region across Europe. Your AC representative (rep) is an invaluable resource, a sympathetic ear, and your voice for bringing forward any issues, concerns or praise for the services and support provided by MFS(E). Your AC Rep’s primary role is to provide advice to the Senior Manager MFS(E) about the unique needs and challenges of the communities s/he represents. This is all in an effort to enhance the effectiveness and value of the programming and services provided by MFS (E).
Your AC members will be holding virtual and in-person Community Forums over the next while to gather your input on MFS (E) services and recommendations for improvements. This year we will also be gathering your recommendations for PSP. Your input will form the basis for the 2019 MFS work plan. So please fill out your questionnaires, and attend the meetings for your area. MFS(E) values your comments, experiences and feedback, as it is crucial to providing meaningful and relevant programs and services. Our timeline is to complete the Community Forums by the end of March and to provide reports to our communities and Commanding Officers by the end of April.
The Youth Employment Preparation Program (YEP) provides positive impact and life skills for participating youth across Europe. This coming year enrollment has significantly increased, so many new employment opportunities for YEP Program graduates are needed. These will be solicited in late January/ early February.
We often receive feedback that families need more information about their new country, and the need for a guide to their new experience. Many do not realize that these guides exist. Up to now, these have been called “Thriving In <Location>”, for example, “Thriving in Naples”. They are useful both when you are considering an OUTCAN posting, and when you have arrived and are experiencing your new country. The AC has had several discussions about how to raise awareness of these guides. One idea is to change the name to more truly reflect their intent. The guides will be revised and called “The <Location> Handbook”, for example, “The Naples Handbook”. They are available on our website and a printed copy will be provided in all Welcome Bags.
https://www.cafconnection.ca/Europe/Search-Results.aspx?searchtext=handbook&searchmode=anywords&whenmode=0&idx=104
We have also decided to add one more AC member from a remote location. We are currently looking for representatives from Brussels, Casteau, Naples, Niederheid and a remote location. If you are interested, please contact Sue Goddard, Senior Manager MFS(E), at SUE.GODDARD@forces.gc.ca
For a link to the Advisory Committee members and to contact your representative,
please click here.
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Ongoing Emotional Support with the Family Information Line
Are you having issues accessing mental health support services due to geographic location or language barriers i
n your communities? The Family Information Line (FIL) team is happy to share an important initiative: ongoing emotional support.
Families of military members and veterans are able to seek emotional support with the same FIL team member at a predetermined time using the point of access of their choice: phone or via Webex.
Stephanie and Lisa are experienced team members at the FIL who are currently providing this extended service. If you require emotional support, please do not hesitate to reach them by email at
FIL@CAFConnection.ca
or at
00-800-771-17722
. They are looking forward to serving the families together.
If you would like more information on the ongoing emotional support service,
click here
.
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MFS(E) Welcomes Youths in Europe
A new resource is now available!
Our youth in Europe created an animated video to help other youths become resilient and more connected to their European community!
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Canada Summer Jobs Program
Discover how the
Canada Summer Jobs program
helps young Canadians gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in today’s workforce.
Find out more about the Government of Canada's youth policy and various initiatives
here
.
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April is the Month of Military Child
Please join us in celebrating CAF children around Europe, by sending us a quick video telling us why you are proud to be a military child!
Share your quick video clips with your MFS(E) team.
Deadline to submit your video is March 29, 2019.
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Children's Education Management
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Children’s Education Management (CEM) supports the educational needs of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families both inside and outside of Canada. Our team works to ease the impact of frequent relocation on the education of military children and its impact on their education through Guidance Counselling Services, Educational Screenings, Education Allowances and Benefits, and the operation of the CAF Overseas Schools.
Educational Tools
. These tools offer information for education in different provinces:
a Starting Kindergarten Map, a Graduation Requirements Map, and a School Transition Portfolio.
Outside Canada
. This section offers resources for Outside Canada postings, including Educational Screening instructions and forms, and lists of compatible schools worldwide.
Inside Canada
. Members may be eligible for tutoring and other benefits related to a move between provinces.
CAF Overseas Schools
. CAF operates 2 schools outside of Canada: SHAPE in Belgium and AFNORTH in the Netherlands.
Need to talk with someone?
Our team is here to help. The CEM Guidance Counsellors are available to talk with you about your children’s elementary and secondary school transitions. Contact your CEM guidance counselor today to set up an appointment:
Families with last names from A – K should contact
Andrea Smith
General inquiries or questions about educational screenings can be directed to
CEMGEE@forces.gc.ca
.
One of our team members will respond promptly.
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Personnel Support Program (PSP)
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The Chalet Program offers accommodation options in various parts of Europe at a 40% subsidy by the European Fund. Whether you decide to stay put and relax, explore the neighborhood or venture a little further, this program will allow you to stay in a chalet, an apartment or a villa located in a very interesting region of Europe. All accommodations are fully furnished and well equipped.
The Chalet Program also offers Full-Flex vouchers. This part of the program provides European Fund members the flexibility to choose their holiday destination at a time that is convenient for them. The Full Flex vouchers can be used to offset the cost associated with accommodations such as hotel rooms, RV rentals, vacation apartments, as well as cruises.
The program is divided in two seasons: summer and winter. Chalet weeks, as well as the Full Flex vouchers, are awarded in the form of a lottery. To participate members are to send an application form to the Chalet Coordinator. The information regarding the application process for the Winter Program is sent to members in an email in September of each year while the information about the Summer Program is sent in February. Members have two weeks to send in their application form once the draw information has been released. Should you wish for your email address to be added to the distribution list, please contact the Chalet Coordinator at
+PSPEurope@forces.gc.ca
.
Visit
our website for more information about the program and the chalets available.
New!!
A blog has been added to the
Chalet Program’s webpages
.
You can now share your experiences or read about the experiences of other families for each chalet in the program.
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The program was recently revised to allow students to take a break between high school and first year of post-secondary school and still be eligible for this benefit.
The European Fund (EF) Academic Program is established to recognize the academic achievements of students graduating from high school who are dependants of members of the European Fund and to encourage the students to continue towards post-secondary education.
All students accepted and attending a recognized post-secondary establishment will receive a maximum of € 500.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a dependant of a member of the EF according to the definition in the EF Constitution. (The students do not need to be EF members). Parents need to be EF members at the time of the payment of the Academic grant. (October)
- Be accepted to full-time studies at any post-secondary level establishment. This grant is only given in first year of post-secondary studies.
Requirements:
- By Sept. 15th at the latest: A letter or e-mail from the EF member must be forwarded to the Senior Manager PSP, declaring that their child has graduated from high school (school’s name and date of graduation are required), and has received an acceptance letter from a recognized post-secondary establishment (name of the establishment is required) and will attend this establishment (date and name, city and country of the establishment are required). The email must state that the parent is EF member at the time of the payment of the grant. (October).
- By Oct. 31st at the latest: EF awarded funds will be transferred to the beneficiary.
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The European Fund provides its hospitalized members, with the exception of CAF members, with hospital comfort.
EF members hospitalized in excess of 48 hrs are entitled to a maximum of 10 euros (without receipts) per day of hospitalization towards amenities, up to a maximum of 300 euros per case. The following is a list of the types of items that would qualify under this benefit:
1.
Newspapers, magazines and books;
2.
DVDs;
3.
Electronic games;
4.
Snacks and beverages;
5.
Toiletries;
6.
Calling cards (where applicable); and
7.
Small toys for children (cars, dolls, etc).
In addition, to amenities suggested above and with receipts, hospitalized EF members may be reimbursed for basic TV, phone and Internet services. Parking expenses up to a maximum of 50 euros a month are claimable as well. For long-term care, loan items such as DVD players and lap-tops may be considered.
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Support to EF Families During Spouse's (CAF or civilians) Deployment and CAF member Temporary Duty or Course
This program was recently revised to provide the same benefits to the EF families while the spouse of the CAF member is deployed on a NATO/UN and Military deployment as a NPF employee with CFMWS deployment Support.
The European Fund (EF) provides families of EF members’ spouses (CAF or civilians) deploying and CAF member on temporary duty or on course, with funding in order to procure wellness services.
EF family members whose spouses are away on deployment, whether military or civilian, or CAF personnel on TD or CAF course, for at least 30 consecutive days, are entitled to an amount not exceeding €100 monthly for wellness services. This financial benefit is cumulative for each month either spouse is deployed (ie. 6 month deployment X €100 = €600). The following list provides some examples of the types of services that would qualify under this benefit:
1.
Childcare Services;
2.
Wellness (spa treatments, hair/manicures/pedicures, massage);
3.
Restaurant Meals (no alcohol); and
4.
Movie Passes
Reimbursement request are to be submitted to the Senior Manager PSP and must be accompanied by a copy of the attached deployment, TD or course (for CAF members) message and scanned receipts.
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Are you returning to Canada?
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There is a new employment initiative launched by the Department of National Defence, exclusive for military spouses!
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The RCPO, CFSU(E) has launched an inventory of work vacancies, posted on the
CAF Connection website
. Dependents and spouses may browse this website if they are interested in working and submit their applications. As the inventory remains open, applications can be updated as dependents gain new qualifications or find new interests.
This inventory is open to dependents of Canadian civilian component and CAF members stationed in Europe. It will be used to staff positions within CFSU(E) locations in Europe and Turkey (Germany, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and UK).
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For Global Affairs Canada local employment opportunities in Europe
click here.
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Support our Troops National Scholarship Program
Discover the scholarship opportunities available to your military family. More than 40 Scholarships Available to Military Families: Children and Spouses!
The scholarship program is entering its fifth year and is funded by Support Our Troops, supported by donations from individuals, external organizations, fundraising events, and the sale of Yellow Ribbon merchandise.
Both full-time and part-time post-secondary students of accredited academic institutions, career and vocational colleges are eligible. Scholarships range from $500 to $2000.
In 2018, more than $75,000 was awarded to military family members through 45 scholarships, with winners selected from over 400 competitive applications.
The Support Our Troops National Scholarship Program is now open!
Applications will be accepted until 1 May 2019 at 4:00 p.m. EST
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The Activity corner in French
We are excited to launch a fun new program from MFS(E) French services called,
The Activity corner in French
.
This monthly program is now available in your mid-month bulletin and will consist of activities in French, such as; crafts recipes, yoga routines, interior gardening, etc... Activities that you can do on your own or for the whole family.
It is a great way practice your French! We encourage you to take pictures of you or your family participating in these activities, as we would love to share these moments and successes with our CAF families across Europe.
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By Katelin Leblond, Community Services Provider
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margret Mead
This quote is true in many aspects of our lives and reducing our impact on this earth is one of them. As we approach Earth Day, on April 22, I would like to share my family’s lifestyle with our OUTCAN family.
My family of four strives to live Zero Waste (sending nothing to landfill) in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. Prior to this lifestyle change, we were a typical Canadian family: two kids, dog, two cars and a large black bag of garbage to curbside weekly. By making changes to our consumer habits we reduced our waste to virtually nothing. I am not advocating everyone live Zero Waste but imagine the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and strain on our natural resources if everyone reduced their waste by half or three-quarters! With a few tweaks to your current lifestyle you will be amazed how little you utilize your waste bin. Remember, once this way of life is instilled in your children, their generation will expect that lifestyle.
Why Zero Waste?
Canada is one of the worst waste offenders globally, creating over four lbs of waste per Canadian daily. By modifying our consumption habits we can change those stats. And the added bonus to you, it is money back in your wallet.
Where to Start?
Use up what you have first. You likely have a multitude of personal care items stashed around the house. Before purchasing more, use up what you have and before restocking ask yourself these questions:
a.
Do I
need
this item?
Does every member of the family need a specific shampoo? If you decide you
do
need the item ask yourself;
b.
Can I find a more sustainable version?
Swap plastic toothbrushes for a bamboo, replace bottled hand soap for bar soap, or can I find a refill store where I can refill an existing bottle?
Use vinegar & baking soda for cleaning.
Vinegar is a solvent, which means it cuts through grease and soap scum, it is also an effective germ killer and deodorizer. Best of all it is dirt cheap! If you are not a fan of how vinegar smells, Google
how to make citrus vinegar cleaner.
Always use your grocery totes, reusable produce bags and reusable containers.
Avoid single use plastics at every opportunity. In Canada over 3 billion single-use plastic bags are used annually for an average of 20 minutes and plastic bags take up to 400 years to breakdown. Choose loose produce, shop in the bulk section and use reusable containers at the meat & cheese counter.
Compost.
Most cities have compost programs set up, investigate yours. This is an incredibly easy habit to commit to.
Research Zero Waste and Refill Shops.
You will be astonished at the growing number of farmers markets, refill stores & bulk stores out there.
Remember, our choices matter, and you can do it.
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Everything I need to know to thrive this winter, I learned from watching kids
By Laura Jamont, community member at SHAPE, Casteau
I remember the screening interview for our posting to Belgium. The social worker rifled off a bunch of questions about the challenges and potential issues with OUTCAN. I was confident, (and if I’m perfectly honest, maybe a bit cocky) and tried to reassure her of all of the reasons that we were fully aware and fully prepared for this posting. I remember specifically her questions about the weather. I remember talking about our time in Comox and the fact that my husband is from the West coast. I remember thinking it was a non-issue.
Now, fast forward six months and here we are - smack dab in the middle of our first Belgian winter with all of its rainy glory, dark days, and lack of sunshine. And you know what? It is hard. She was right.
We are all feeling it in our house in some way. I have to say that my son is managing the best and when I took the time to notice this, I started to see why. He has some built in skills that have made him able to thrive here. Here is what I’ve learned from watching my three-year-old thrive this winter.
1)
Sun is not needed to have fun.
Whether it is pouring rain, or it’s a slippery morning with black ice, my son approaches each day and all weather with the same enthusiasm. Rain is great for splashing, black ice makes an excellent skating rink on the way to school, sunshine makes great shadows, and fog makes the whole world mysterious. My goal is try and approach my days as he does; without disappointment for things beyond my control and with simple joy.
2)
Embrace the darkness.
While most people are commiserating on the lack of sunshine, my son is relishing the lack of light because it makes shadow puppets and flash lights so much more fun. I am trying to follow his lead and enjoy the way the house looks with a fire or candles lit. Those don’t have nearly the same effect in the daylight.
3)
Get creative.
In the summer, we spend most of our time outdoors. This winter I’ve watched him make and create more than we ever would in the summer. Sometimes he paints and other times he builds with blocks or his marble maze. He has begun building imaginative Lego machines and he’s an avid fort-builder. Being inside has allowed him this time to create. I need to do the same. I need to dust off the paints, or finally learn to knit. It doesn’t matter what it is or how good it is, as long as I’m creating something … that’s the magical part.
4)
Slow down.
Life is busy and life OUTCAN seems busier. Maybe just as busy as before but with more speed bumps? Winter is a season with less running and climbing than in the summer, but there are also more books, puzzles, and family movie nights. This pace can be nice. It can give us a break from the chaos if we let it. Faster isn’t always better, I need to remember this.
5)
Ask for what you need - especially hugs.
I’ve begun to notice that my son is asking for more lately. He wants more hugs, longer goodbyes at school drop off, and endless bedtime cuddles. In the moment, this can be frustrating, but when I think about what he’s doing, it’s a good thing. He’s feeling “needier” than other times and he’s asking for what he needs. He needs more time, more comfort, and more connection. When I think about how gloomy most adults feel in the winter, I’m struck by the simplicity of this one. Wouldn’t we all do better if we had just a little bit more connection from loved ones? Wouldn’t it be better if we as adults were able to ask for what we need as easily as a child can? Would winter feel a little bit less cold if we all just hugged a little more? I’m going to try.
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The Health and Wellness Week in Naples
By Véronique Bouchard, Community Services Provider
Each year, our MFS(E) center in Naples, in collaboration with PSP, organizes a week of activities to mark Health and Wellness Week. This year, our Canadian families had the opportunity to participate in various activities.
MONDAY:
A stroll through the city of Naples to visit Villa Floridiana, a beautiful park located in the Vomero district. Its geographical position offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Gulf of Naples. You can also visit the Duca di Martina Museum, home to one of the largest decorative art collections in Italy since 1931. It includes more than six thousand western and oriental works of art dating from the twelfth to the nineteenth century.
On the way back, one can also head to Salita della Pedamentina, one of the oldest staircases in the city of Naples. Steep descents, zigzag turns and 414 elongated steps take you, for 650 meters, from Vomero to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
TUESDAY:
A spiritual walk to Pozzuoli with Padre Flor. This day began at the Temple of Neptune and then at the Temple of Serapis, also known as Serapeum. This "temple", considered the symbol of the city, was actually a market. Its name stems from a misinterpretation of its function, following the discovery, in 1750, of a statue of the god Serapis in its surroundings. Next, our walk took us to some of the churches in the city of Pozzuoli
WEDNESDAY:
The Naples MFS(E) team prepared healthy snacks that would be ideal to serve at a party with friends. The team shared their recipes with members of the community and organized a Tasting Morning. On the menu: zucchini totes, cucumber bites with shrimp and avocado, baked spring rolls, peanut butter dip, black bean brownies and crusted chicken nuggets...
THURSDAY:
A relaxing evening at the spa IL TEMPIO DI VENERE in the province of Caserta. Two hours of relaxation for our participants who had access to the sauna, the relaxation room, the salt cave, the thunderstorm room and the hot tubs, cold and hot...
FRIDAY:
To end this week, what better idea than to reserve an ice rink for our Canadian families. Yes, it is possible to skate in the beautiful region of Naples. One hour of free skating for young and old. This activity was greatly appreciated by the community.
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Rebuilding Confidence
By Elizabeth Parsons, Brunssum
Your confidence can take a hit when you transition from one posting to another – leaving behind friends, maybe family, possibly a professional career. If you’re relocating to Europe, chances are you’re entering a land where the language – and even simple things like groceries and recycling! – can be a mystery.
As you adjust to your new environment, here are two strategies that can help you rebuild your confidence:
Be gentle with yourself. Beating yourself up for the fact that you’re not feeling as confident as you once did just makes things worse! If you can accept that it might take some time to adjust to your new environment, and try to make progress in baby steps, you can celebrate any and all successes.
Do something to make
you
feel like
you. Sometimes part of the military move is losing a part of the identify we had in our last posting. It’s important to do something to remind yourself of who you are: your skills and strengths, your values; what brings you joy, what gives you peace. The thing that makes you feel like you will differ from person to person, but I encourage everyone to figure out what that is, and pursue it – even in baby steps.
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Don’t just “adjust” to living OUTCAN – excel at it!
By Natalie Maclellan, Community Services Manager
We’ve been living in Europe now for six months. I naively expected to be “all settled in” by now. In many ways, we are getting there. We love our apartment and our neighbourhood. We have developed daily routines, discovered favourite restaurants, and have even adapted our shopping and cooking styles to our much smaller European kitchen. We found a new (English speaking!) vet for our cat. And I have found a medical clinic and pharmacy that can meet my sometimes-complex medical needs.
With all that said, it has not been easy. Many days, it is still very hard. We’re living in a completely different culture. We are surrounded by languages we cannot speak or read. Languages so different from the English we know and the French we have studied for years that we can’t fake it. Constantly translating and communicating via charades can be exhausting. Never one to let a challenge bring me down, I have found tricks and strategies to help me relax, adjust, and thrive!
1.
Make local friends. I’ll be honest, many of the friends I have made since we arrived are other military family members (and they are fabulous people, I am not complaining). But our host country is a wonderful, vibrant place with an intriguing history and culture. I want to know and learn from people who were born and raised here. Within a month of arriving, I saw a post on a Facebook ex-pats group about an English theatre production needing amateur actors. I haven’t been on a stage in many years, but I used to love it, so signed up before I had a chance to get scared and talk myself out of it. It’s the best thing I did since arriving. I have made friends both local and from other countries, and it keeps me busy and engaged.
2.
Learn as much of the language(s) as possible. So far, I have struggled to find language classes that fit my schedule, so instead I am using apps and an online class. It’s not as good as classroom time, but I am learning the basics: greetings, numbers, days of the week, etc. Just that little bit has helped immensely. Next on the list is common phrases for shopping and restaurants.
3.
Travel. At every opportunity. I am a firm believer that travel opens the mind and expands your knowledge in a way that no other experience can. Travelling to Europe from Canada is not only costly, it is time-consuming. As long as we are based here, we have so much opportunity. Whether it is historic, bustling cities or remote and barren islands, so many locations I have only dreamt of seeing are only a few hours away by bus, train, or airplane. So far we’ve been to the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Belgium on mini-breaks, with some more extensive vacations in the works.
What strategies are you using to adjust to life in Europe? Share your thoughts and ideas with us on Facebook at using
#MyVoiceMaVoix
.
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Tea Time in London with Military Family Services (Europe)
By Sarah Herring, Community Services Provider
Even though there are 39 Canadian families in the London area and over 100 in all of the UK, they’re all pretty spread out and it can be difficult to get to know each other. As a result, the UK MFS(E) Team is initiating a new event to connect families:
Tea Time in London
.
Tea Time in London
is intended to provide regular opportunities for families in London, and those within convenient travelling distance of the city, to meet each other, connect and share their experiences in person.
Tea Time
will be held once per month in different locations in and around London, hopefully making it more convenient for families to attend and maybe encouraging them to explore new areas of the city. It would be wonderful if families living outside London could attend when they are able and make it a day of exploring the city!
Connecting with other people, especially those who share and understand the unique circumstances, challenges and excitement of living OUTCAN will help us all to thrive in our new surroundings, and what better way to connect and create a new, resilient community than over a cup of tea (or coffee, of course)?
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Visit our
for recordings of virtual sessions
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Please be sure to
visit our website
often
for the latest
programs
and services being offered.
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